BMW X6 4x4 full 9 point review
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Performance
Even the entry-level 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine produces 241bhp, so the X6 is never going to be short of power or pace. Go for the x40d (301bhp) and power jumps dramatically; petrol options are the 302bhp straight-six, 402bhp V8 or the X6 M’s 547bhp twin-turbo V8 with supercar-rivalling performance.
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Ride & Handling
The X6 is effectively a nimbler version of the X5 4x4. Although there's very little difference between the two at low speeds, the more sophisticated four-wheel-drive system fitted to the X6 delivers exceptional grip and traction when you push on. Body lean is also kept to a minimum, particularly if you specify the Adaptive Drive active anti-roll bars. The firm ride tends to jostle occupants over patchy surfaces, but it's never harsh.
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Refinement
Although the well-proven diesel engines are powerful and flexible, their poor refinement gives away their age. They can vibrate and rasp under hard acceleration. The V8 is quiet and smooth at low speeds, and emits a deep growl from the exhaust when revved. Wind noise is kept at bay, but the massive tyres generate a fair amount of road noise.
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Buying & Owning
The X6 is not what you'd call cheap, but like most BMWs, you'll get a fair chunk of your money back come resale time. BMW's Efficient Dynamics system, which includes the latest high-pressure fuel-injection system and brake regeneration (which recharges the battery by using energy created when braking), help reduce emissions and boost fuel economy. The results give the X6 a significant running-cost advantage over similar premium cars from the likes of Porsche and Range Rover.
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Quality & Reliability
Top-notch materials are precision assembled to give the X6 an air of luxury that few, if any, manufacturers can better. Equally, BMWs are generally mechanically sound, although electrical glitches aren't unknown. BMW claims the X6's complex four-wheel-drive system will be robust, and many of the other components are well proven in other models.
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Safety & Security
The X6 is packed with the latest electronic driver's aids and comes with front, side and curtain airbags. The four-wheel-drive system also provides superb traction and masses of grip, so you should never be caught out by slippery conditions. Its desirability will no doubt make the X6 a prime target for criminals, but BMWs have an excellent reputation for thwarting thieves.
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Behind The Wheel
With the exception of some padding around the centre console, the X6's dash layout is a carbon copy of the X5's, which is no bad thing. It takes a bit of time before you know where everything is, but all the controls are user-friendly. It's easy to establish a commanding driving position, too, but rear visibility is poor, so it's good that all models come with parking sensors.
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Space & Practicality
It's wider than the X5 it's based on, but there's not the same sense of space in the rear. With just four seats, there's plenty of leg- and elbowroom for rear passengers, but that sloping roof means headroom isn't great. Small rear windows add to the rather claustrophobic feel. The boot is wide and long, but, once again, that swooping roofline means it's quite shallow. Also, the load lip is high and awkward, and there's only a singe hatch opening, rather than a more useful split tailgate.
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Equipment
Standard specification includes 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, stability control, climate control, four electric windows, remote central locking and parking sensors. The V8 xDrive 50i adds self-levelling suspension and electric, leather seats. Options include swivelling headlights, sat-nav, digital TV, head-up display and an automatic full-beam system.
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BMW X6 4x4 xDrive30d 5dr
This may be the least expensive X6, but buyers aren't missing out. It's still a quick, exciting and well equipped car, with the bonus of lower emissions and better economy.
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